|
In the wake of what’s being viewed as a betrayal, Democrats and the gays are setting their sights on Maryland Democratic House Delegate Sam Arora. More after the jump.
In yesterday’s closely contested vote on marriage equality in Maryland, things came right down to the wire. 71 votes were needed for passage and 71 votes were received thanks to constituents voicing their stance on the issue and high profile figures like, former Vice President Dick Cheney and President Bill Clinton making direct calls to delegates on the fence.
Which delegate received a call, but still ended up on the wrong side of history? Sam Arora.
Why is this such an issue? It’s not simply because he’s a Democrat. It goes beyond that. Arora campaigned as a progressive candidate and openly stated while campaigning that he was a supporter of same-sex civil marriage. This resulted in support—including financial support—from the LGBT community and marriage equality advocates. Gays and those that support equal rights, including groups like Equality Maryland, endorsed Delegate Arora because he claimed to be with us and for us.
He even went so far as to co-sponsor legislation that went to the Maryland House floor last year that could have brought marriage equality to the state. Then, strangely, he voted against it. He claimed that, in actuality, what he supported were civil unions.
Not the same thing, sir, and that’s not what you stated during your campaign.
That’s partially why Friday’s vote was so important. This was an opportunity for the admittedly “undecided” Arora, to man up and try to rectify his mistakes. Bill Clinton called him personally to get him on-board—and it should be noted that Arora worked as a staffer for Hillary Clinton on three campaigns, so he knows exactly where she stands on this issue.
This election was so close. One more vote in the wrong direction would have denied equal rights to same-sex couples for yet another indeterminate amount of time. It’s shocking that a “progressive” Democratic candidate that campaigned in support of this cause, could so blatantly go against the wishes of his constituency.
Well the shit is already hitting the fan. If you enjoy comedy, or a healthy dose of “schadenfreude,” check out Arora’s Facebook page where his constituents are ripping him to shreds. Higher ups in the Democratic Party are apparently already planning his swift demise. And the gays? Oh the gays are out for blood.
We hope, for his sake, that Arora was only moonlighting in Democratic politics, because from where we sit, it looks like his career is over. Couldn’t happen to a nicer, more upstanding guy.
Image Source
 |
